Breath awareness in Mysore, the Yoga hub of the World

I first came to Mysore to learn more about Yoga over two years ago. I arrived at Nirvana Yoga Shala and it was the perfect fit for me. It’s open minded, comforting, more modern yet still authentic atmosphere made me feel like I belonged. I had elsewhere experienced what we all know as the typical “Yogi vibes” where big inflated egos dominate the space of comparison and judgement. The opposite of what Yoga is all about. Yoga practice is about going within ourselves, connecting with our breath with each movement. Not forcing the asana but aligning and breathing into it. When we focus on our breath we quiet down, our muscles relax and we feel so good. The breath is what keeps us alive and this power we can choose to be aware of in any moment. Connected within.

This is how I felt after the morning Ashtanga classes followed by Pranayama classes. I won’t lie at first I doubted what possible benefits we could get by sitting for an hour holding our nose inhaling and exhaling. But within only a few days I began to experience some noticeable changes. Apparently it is said in yoga science that pranayama cleanses 72,000 nadis or channels in the body. I would believe it as I felt clear minded, completely zen and calmly energised at the same time. What an experience especially for anyone coming from busy lives constantly on the go.

This energy coming directly from our intention to focus on our breath and the awareness of it.

Having positively changed and grown personally during this month in Mysore from such simple consistent practices, I made it my mission to maintain it wherever I am. It is now something I consciously tap into on a daily basis whether on the mat or not. I guess everywhere I am now a little bit of India, Mysore and Nirvana are with me too.